Opening the box with the smartLav, I was immediately impressed with the simplicity of the device.  Attach the lapel clip, screw on the pop shield and you’re ready to go. (Accessories are included)  Plug into your iOS device or your Android device and record.  No batteries or phantom power needed.

Especially made with a TRRS plug, this mic will work with the free RODE Rec app or just about any other recording app made for compatible devices.

On iOS?  Get the app

With the RODE Rec app, it’s easy to adjust quality settings desired before recording. Then observe and adjust the recording level on the app’s VU meter before you start recording.

The microphone is an omni-directional condenser so it’s ideal to use for a variety of applications.  Where I used take a dedicated recorder to interviews, I’ve now switched to using the smartLav with my iPhone. Placed in the center of the table, it picked up all voices around the table with equal volume.

If a phone call should come in during the recording, it will place the recorder in Pause until the conversation is completed.  A better choice obviously is to place your phone in airplane mode and avoid the call if possible.

My last meeting recorded was in a basement meeting room with concrete block walls and hard floor.  I expected a lot of reverberation and muddy sound, but was pleased to get a very crisp, easy to transcribe recording.

Using for  video interviews

I plan to use the smartLav with a lot of my upcoming photo shoots.  With the lav attached directly to the recording device (my iPhone), I can place the lav on the talent and put the iPhone in his pocket. I’m then free to move around with my camera, do closeups, pull way back for establishing shots or go anywhere I want to go, knowing that the sound track will be uniform throughout while the talent continues to talk. That’s something I never could do with an on-camera mic.

When recordings are done, you can retrieve your files in a variety of formats and in a variety of delivery methods.  Files can be uploaded directly from the app to Soundcloud, Dropbox or FTP. Small files can be emailed or larger files can be transferred to your computer via wireless network.

For an incredibly versatile microphone at a price under $70, you need to take a look at the smartLav by RODE.